Renewable Energy & Environmental Protection Are Not Mutually Exclusive
TL/DR –
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is often blamed for delays in clean energy project implementation, however, studies have shown that NEPA is not the main issue. Renewable energy and grid infrastructure development is hindered by limitations such as the size of the current electric grid, inefficient planning, and local community resistance. Instead of weakening NEPA, solutions proposed include addressing local concerns effectively, increasing agency resources, early integration of impact assessments in project planning, and balancing local autonomy with national needs.
NEPA Misconceptions Mislead Road to Clean Energy Infrastructure
While clean energy expansion is critical in responding to climate change, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is being incorrectly blamed for hindering progress. NEPA is often viewed as an obstacle to clean energy infrastructure, a perception that overlooks the complex issues involved. The need for large-scale renewable energy generation, particularly from wind and solar, is universally recognized. However, the growth rate is not meeting the necessary targets.
The clean energy industry has seen significant strides, with renewable energy now a cost-competitive option. By 2030, the capacity of renewable energy sources is expected to double, thanks to the climate measures in the Inflation Reduction Act. However, to meet net-zero targets, the capacity must quadruple. Constraints, such as an outdated electricity grid, pose significant challenges to this expansion. There is currently a backlog of over 2,050 gigawatts of new projects, mostly consisting of renewable energy and storage solutions, awaiting grid connection approval.
The pace of renewable energy project approval is undoubtedly an issue. However, the accusation that NEPA and other protective legislations are the primary cause of these delays is not accurate. Comprehensive assessments, including a recent study by law professor David Adelman, reveal that federal environmental laws are not the problem. Rather, Adelman found that only a small percentage of wind and solar projects required extensive environmental impact assessments under NEPA.
Addressing Misconceptions and Real Challenges
Adelman’s findings align with past studies, which conclude that NEPA does not significantly impede progress. In fact, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that about 95% of all NEPA decisions pass without substantive environmental reviews due to categorical exclusions. Delayed approvals are typically not a result of NEPA, and both the GAO and the Congressional Research Service (CRS) note that NEPA facilitates inter-agency coordination for permit processing.
Despite these findings, critics continue to blame NEPA for the slow progress in clean energy infrastructure development. This misunderstanding has led to legislative attacks on NEPA in the name of ‘permitting reform’, which could result in curbing the reach of environmental laws. If the issue of slow clean energy development is not the result of NEPA, what are the real barriers?
Studies have identified actual problems with infrastructure approval and suggested reforms. The primary focus should be on effectively addressing community concerns, increasing agency resources, implementing ‘smart from the start’ planning, and balancing federal authority to manage interests.
In the fight against climate change, it is crucial to avoid pursuing seemingly easy but misguided solutions. By understanding the real issues and solutions, we can effectively progress towards a sustainable future without unfairly targeting NEPA.
Originally published on NRDC.org
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